WEB AND MOBILE DATA_OLD

TASKFORCE ON DIGITAL BROADCASTING LAUNCHED IN KENYA

The Government has launched a taskforce to spearhead the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting in the country. The 11-member committee drawn from CCK, the Media Owners Association, the National Communications Secretariat and other stakeholders is charged with the responsibility of setting a policy and regulatory framework, and mechanisms to facilitate the transition.

Speaking on March 14 during the taskforce launch, Information and Communications Minister Mutahi Kagwe said that adoption of digital technology would help bridge the digital divide, and enable provision of value added services.

The transition will also enhance the penetration of broadband access and converged broadcasting. The minister said the government would licence multiplex operators, which would enable many broadcasters to share a frequency.

This, he noted, will lower the cost of broadcasting through infrastructure sharing and at the same time enhance market growth and socio-economic development. Hon. Mutahi Kagwe said CCK had discontinued the assignment of frequencies for analogue broadcasting in preparation to going digital in 2015.